Here is an excerpt from my book, Cracks in the Foundation.

Chapter 1: If it be God’s will

The Context

The words of James are directed to those who make decisions independent of God. “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Come, now, you who say, tomorrow we will do this or that” (James 4:13-16). This Apostle says, "We do not know the details of tomorrow; therefore, we should not make personal plans without a heart that says, “If it be God’s will.”

The Positive

Impulsive plans and decisions are based primarily on emotion and personal ambition, rather than God’s heart. Proverbs 14:12 states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” As we decide on choices for the future, we must always consider the big picture of our spiritual lives regarding,what God is building in us.

Crack

There will be a crack in our spiritual foundation if we use “if it be your will” in prayer for things God already declared as His will. I John 5:14,15 tells us “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” If we lack confidence in prayer, then we need to study God’s Word until we know His promises concerning the key areas of our lives.

Concluding Thoughts

God has called us to confidence in prayer by knowing His will about salvation, healing, provision, deliverance, etc. We don’t need to pray “if it be thy will” about things clearly outlined in His Word. Yes, we need the Spirit to help us every time we pray, but we cannot doubt God’s will in what was “finished” through Christ’s death and resurrection.

Discussion Questions

What truth stood out to you the most in this teaching?

How confident are you that you pray in the will of God?

What is the main step you can take to pray with greater confidence?

Speak these declarations aloud

I have surrendered my will to God through Jesus Christ.

I know God’s will about healing, provision, and other important areas of life.